Umted States Patent [191

Lee et al.
[54] DISTRIBUTOR FOR PACKED

[11] Patent Number:

[45] Date of Patent:

4,729,857
Mar. 8, 1988

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

[75] Inventors: Adam T. Lee Richardson- Layton

Chemical Engineering May 27 1985 pp 22. 23 25 27

Kitterman Gainsevine bath of Tex

'

Boostmg Tower Performance, McGraw-Hill.

Chemical Engineering, Mar. 5, 1984, pp. 40 et seq.,

[73] Assignee: Glitsch, Inc., Dallas, Tex.

[21] App]. No.: 42,759 [22] Filed_ Apr 27 1987
. . ,

How Packing Stacks Up, McGraw-Hill.

Primary Examiner-Tim Miles Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Stanley R. Moore
[57] ABSTRACT

[51]

Int. cu .............................................. .. B01F 3/04

[52]
[58]

............... .. 261/97; 261/110; 261/103; 239/524

Field of Search ....................... .. 261/97, 110, 103;

An improved liquid ?ow distributor for a process 001 umn of the type wherein the distributor is positioned
above a packing section for the distribution of liquid

239/524

downwardly therethrough. The improvement com

[56]

References cued
U5. PATENT DOCUMENTS
2,535,386 12/1950 Brookins ............................. .. 261/97

tapering body section having holes formed therein for

spewing liquid outwardly therefrom. Baf?es are dis
, 239/524
261/96 261/114 261/98
- - - -- 239/524

prises a plurality of troughs formed with a downwardly

Psed twardly f F11? 1Wer taPering PM) Swims 0f

3,080,124 3/1963 Rathmann _

3,273,872 9/1966 Ecken ..... ,_ 3,589,689 6/1971 English .... .. 3,959,419 5/1976 Kitterman.
4,066,472 1/1978 Perry - - ~ ~ - - - - - - - - -

the troughs for receiving the spew of liquid therefrom

and evenly distributing the liquid ?ow downwardly. A plurality of flow equalization pipes interconnect the troughs one with the other and are coupled to the
troughs through a lower sidewall region thereof. In this

45159391 g/ 197? Bmcke 3131'

6x331 gcrgrzgck ' ' ' '

261g 16114 91;

' ' ' ' ' "261/{10

manner, flow equalization between troughs is provided

and the ?ow equalization pipes are presented in a con

4,472,325 9/1984 Roblpins

......' ' 261/97

?guration allowing debris to be removed therefrom. In

one embodiment a series of screens are secured to the bottom regions Of the baffles for further facilitating

4:479:909 10/1934 strenber 261/97 4,557,377 12/1935 Hofstotter ........................... .. 261/97

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

2945103 5/1981 Fed. Rep. of Germany ...... .. 261/97
3141930 5/1983 Fed. Rep. of Germany ...... .. 261/97

troughs.

uniformity in flow distribution emanating from the

20 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures

C .

US. Patent

Mar. 8, 1988

Sheet 1 0f 2

4,729,857

85

FIG. 4

US. Patent

Mar. 8, 1988

Sheet 2 0f 2

4,729,857

1 120
I20

IZOB

1205 g

5923

64

7o

66

as

70 60 77

mw

4,729,857

LIQUID DISTRIBUTOR FOR PACKED TOWER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

of a correct liquid distributor is critical for uninter

rupted plant operation. Operational considerations thus

include the functional aspects of the distributor, such as how level the distributor troughs are maintained, how

well the ?ow is equalized therethrough, and the means

The present invention pertains to liquid distributors for vapor-liquid contact towers and, more particularly, to a ?ow equalized liquid distributor for columns incor

through which the liquid is distributed from said troughs to the packing beds therebeneath. Also consid
ered is the effect which the ascending vapor has on the liquid being distributed. When vapor flow areas are 10 restricted, ?ow velocity can increase to the point of

porating counter-current, vapor-liquid flow there

through. -

2. History of the Prior Art It is well known in the prior art to utilize various types of exchange columns in which a gas and a liquid
come into contact with one another, preferably in a counter-current ?ow for purposes of mass or heat trans

interrupting the descending liquid flow pattern. The

liquid is, in essence, blown around, and this condi
tioning can lead to uneven distribution and inef?ciency.

fer, close fractionation and/or separation of feed stock constituents, and other unit operations. Ef?cient opera tion requires mass transfer, heat transfer, ?uid vaporiza
tion and/or condensation, whereby one of the ?uids can

Conventional liquid distributors generally include the multi-orifice spray head variety adapted for dispersing
liquid in the form of a spray atop a packing bed. In the utilization of dump packing wherein a plurality of ran domly oriented packing elements are disposed within the exchange column, such a liquid distribution tech

be cooled with a minimum pressure drop through and in

a particular zone or zones of minimum dimensions de

vapor and liquid within such exchange columns have 25 assigned to the assignee of the present invention, means for homogeneous liquid and gas distribution are of ex become established methods of such vapor-liquid treme importance. contact in the prior art. The actual vapor-liquid inter The cost of high efficiency packing of the type set face requires the utilization of a packing bed within the forth in the aforesaid patent commands attention to column. Liquid is then distributed atop the packing bed proper vapor-liquid distribution. Even small regions of in the most feasible manner while vapor is distributed non-homogenous interaction between the vapor and beneath the packing bed in the lower region of the liquid is an expensive and wasteful loss not consistent tower. In this manner liquid trickling downwardly with the utilization of high ef?ciency packing, where through the packing bed is exposed to the vapor ascend space and homogeniety in vapor-liquid interface is both ing therethrough for vapor-liquid contact and interac tion. 35 expected and necessary for proper operation. High ef?ciency packing of the state of the art varieties set It is well established that the con?guration of the forth and shown in the aforesaid U.S. Patent requires packing bed determines the pressure drop, efficiency of counter-current vapor-liquid ?ow through the channels the vapor-liquid interface and the concomitant mass and

?ning the area and volume thereof. These are prerequi sites of ef?cient operation and are necessary for close fractionation. For this reason counter-current ?ow of

nique is sometimes effective. This is true particularly when high ef?ciency parameters are not of critical sig ni?cance. However, in the event of high ef?ciency
packingsuch as that set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,604,247

de?ned by opposed corrugations of sheets disposed energy transfer occurring in a process tower. The means for effective and even distribution of the vapor 40 therein. If the initial liquid or gas distribution fails to enter a particular corrugation pattern, then precious and the liquid on opposite ends of the packing bed as well as maintenance of that distribution therethrough surface area is lost in the packing until the liquid and are critical to an efficient operation. Only with ef?cient vapor are urged to migrate into and interact through the initial vapor and liquid distribution and the maintenance un?lled regions of the packing. Only by utilizing proper of said distribution throughout the packing bed, will 45 vapor and liquid distribution means may effective and homogenous mixing zones be created therethrough for efficient utilization of high efficiency packing as well as
maximizing the efficiency therein. Efficiency is readily
convertible to cost of operation and production quality. For this reason, a myriad of prior art packing designs

conventional dumped packing be assured. The development of systems for adequate liquid dis
tribution in process towers has been limited as set forth

have been prevalent in conventional exchange columns.

The ef?ciency of the packing is, however, limited to a large extent by the efficiency of the vapor and liquid distribution thereacross. For example, failure of either
part of the packing where there is poor or no distribu tion which in turn is directly proportional to the effi

above. In the main, it is known to discharge and distrib

ute liquids with spray ori?ces, pipes, perforated plates,

apertured troughs and nozzles. Gas is concomitantly discharged in an ascending turbulent con?guration to
some vapor and some liquid to most portions of the

vapor or liquid to evenly distribute over cross-sections provide adequate vapor distribution. Although many of the packing effectively eliminates the utility of the 55 prior art systems are generally effective in distributing

ciency and cost effectiveness of the operation. Packing not obtained without more sophisticated distribution bed depths are critical in establishing production crite apparatus. For example, unless gas is injected into a ria and operational costs and failure to evenly distribute 60 myriad of contiguous areas beneath the packing bed

packing bed, uniform distribution thereacross is usually

vapor-liquid and/or maintain homogeniety within the

Aside from the packing beds themselves, the liquid

with equal pressure in each area, the mass ?ow of vapor

packing bed can lead to serious consequences, particu

larly in the petroleum re?ning industry.

distributor is the most important unit of a tower inter nal. Failure in performance of a packed tower some

upwardly through the packing bed cannot be uniform.

Random vapor discharge simply distributes unequal

amounts of vapor across the lower regions of the pack
ing bed but does not in any way assure equality in the

times stems from liquid distribution problems such as clogging or uneven distribution, and thus the selection

distribution. Likewise the simple spray of liquid atop the packing bed, though intended to be effective in
wetting all surface areas, often results in high concen

4,729,857

trations of liquid flow in certain packing bed areas and

less ?ow in others. This, of course, depends on the spray device. Ori?ce distributors are generally more suscepti

vapor as well as uniformly dispensing the flow. Liquid

spreading screens or wires can also be used with the

baf?es. Pressure drop is minimized through the distribu

tor by maximizing the free area across the tower inter nals. Liquid ?ow efficiency is thus provided in a more

ble to plugging than other types of distributors, and plugging is generally non-uniform leading to uneven irrigation within the tower. Surface irregularities in a distributor pan occurring during manufacture likewise
increase flow resistance of some perforations or induce liquid flow along the bottom of the pan which is a dis

cost ef?cient, reliable con?guration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention pertains to liquid distribution

tinct disadvantage. Any flow irregularity which focuses

the flow in one area while reducing flow in other areas

systems adapted for uniformly distributing liquid ?ow

through a process tower. More particularly, one aspect

of the invention comprises an improved liquid distribu tor for process columns of the type wherein vapor is injected into the column for ascension therethrough and consisting of headers equipped with tributary pipes or laterals that have holes or nozzles to spray liquid, the 15 liquid is dispersed in the column for downward ?ow. Packing sections or beds are disposed in the tower for liquid is often distributed too ?nely. Tiny drops of the facilitating the interaction of vapor and liquid passing in liquid then get carried out of the tower by counter~cur counter-current flow therethrough. The improvement rent gas ?ow. This prevents the liquid from even com comprises a liquid flow distributor adapted for position ing in contact with the packing bed. Since liquid contact is the purpose of the packing therebeneath, such a result 20 ing above and/or below the packing section for the even distribution of liquid downwardly therethrough. totally frustrates the intent of the liquid distributor. As The distributor comprises a trough having a down much as 5% of the liquid ?owing through a nozzle can wardly tapering lower body section constructed with be converted to mist at a pressure drop of 20 psi. It has baf?es disposed outwardly therefrom. The baf?es are also been noted that nozzle equipped pipe distributors can produce overlapping spray patterns which result in 25 spaced from the angulated trough section a select dis tance for receiving the spew or ?ow of liquid from the increased ?ow in certain areas with reduced flow in trough. Distributor ?ow sheets may also be secured to other areas. Moreover, spray headers also release liquid and depend from the baf?es for enhancing ?ow distri at speeds that can cause it to pass vertically through the bution characteristics. The liquid is therein encouraged packing before it has a chance to spread out horizon
is deleterious. It has been discovered that with pipe distributors

tally depending on the particular packing type.

These issues are important as well as the critical issue

to spread evenly across the inside area of the baffle, away from the rising vapor flow, for even distribution

and discharge to the underlying packing bed. The baf?e of the number of liquid distribution points necessary for includes dripping interrupters comprising standoffs various tower diameters, packings, heights, materials between the baffle and the trough. The standoffs also and systems. It is critical that the packing height not be too great wherein the weight of the packing will cause 35 provide means for securing the baf?e to the trough. A plurality of ?ow sections are thus provided for flow it to crush itself. However, liquid redistributors between interruption in case certain sections of the trough are packing sections are expensive and take up heights that out of level. A single or multiple ori?ce con?guration is could otherwise be used for mass transfer. One consid provided in the trough with a ?rst ori?ce disposed . ' eration is the type of packing being used. Structured
1.. packing can tolerate very little maldistribution while 40 inwardly of the baffle and a second ori?ce disposed

dump packing on the other hand can sustain larger variations in liquid distribution. Unfortunately, the manifestation of uneven liquid distribution generally occurs in the vicinity of the most even, or uniform, vapor distribution. The opposite is 45
also true. This is because vapor has had a chance to

thereabove for spewing liquid outwardly onto the un

derlying packing bed. Flow equalization pipes intercon

nect the side and/or ends of each trough to allow full

volume drainage, structural security and ?ow equaliza

tion therebetween. In another aspect of the invention described above,

more evenly distribute through the packing bed prior to

the liquid distributor comprises a generally V-shaped

trough section having an angulated baf?e disposed out engaging the liquid distribution flow. It would be an wardly therefrom comprising an impingement surface advantage, therefore, to provide means for even liquid and vapor distribution prior to entry of said vapor and 50 outwardly juxtaposed a plurality of ori?ces constructed for discharging liquid thereon. The flow equalization liquid into the packing bed and in a manner providing pipes also provide structural support as well as flow both a uniform spread of said liquid and vapor and conduits as they are secured to the lower side wall uniform volumetric distribution thereof. portions of the troughs or the distal ends thereof. The The present invention provides such an improved

system of vapor-liquid distribution through a tapered

55

trough, high efficiency distributor wherein each trough

maintains a uniform liquid level through a flow equaliz ing system. The system is provided with an intercon nected series of ?ow pipes that ?ow into the lowermost
therefrom. The ?ow pipe facilitates movement of multi

conduits disposed adjacent the bottom of the troughs allow ?uid to ?ow between adjacent troughs for ?uid
level equalization therebetween. Debris and solids can also be removed through the conduits in a self clean

ing mode. Such con?gurations are marked advances

portions of the narrow, tapered troughs to equalize 60 over prior art irrigation systems producing clogged, liquid levels and allow for drainage of liquid and debris uneven, localized or focused irrigation which is the
antithesis of ef?cient tower internals operation. In another aspect of the invention, the above troughs equipped with discharge notches or holes described angulated baf?es prevent the upper flow of which would otherwise malfunction if not perfectly 65 vapor to engage the liquid discharging from the trough level or clog if debris could accumulate. Angled baf?es in the manner that would disrupt uniform liquid ?ow disposed outwardly of the tapered troughs prevent therefrom. A signi?cant amount of the ascending vapor liquid from being blown around by the ascending around the troughs is thus de?ected outwardly by the

phase liquid through the network of open, tapered

4,729,857

angulated baf?es. In this manner it does not directly

disturb the liquid spewing from the V-shaped trough.

Some vapor ascension rate rise is manifest inside the

return line 32. A re?ux return line 34 is provided atop the tower 10.

baf?es where it actually enhances lateral distribution of the liquid stream spewing thereon. The spreading liquid
is then allowed to sheet out upon the substantially pro

In operation, liquid is fed into the tower 10 through

re?ux return line 34 and side stream feed input feed line
5

18. The liquid ?ows downwardly through the tower

and ultimately leaves the tower either at side stream draw off 20, or at bottom stream draw off line 30. In its

tected inside wall of the angulated baf?e and distribute

evenly across the lower region thereof. Likewise the

vapor is de?ected at an angle which facilitates the uni

downward ?ow, the liquid is depleted of some material

which evaporates from it as it passes through the pack
ing beds, and is enriched or added to by material which condenses into it out of the vapor stream. Still referring to FIG. 1 the exchange column 10 further includes a vapor outlet, overhead line 26 dis

formity of upwardly ?ow. Since liquid distribution is improved, the troughs may be spaced further apart for equivalent liquid distribution. The wider trough spacing provides a higher degree of free area within the
tower internals. Greater free area reduces resistance to

ascending vapor ?ow and thus a decrease in disadvanta

geous vapor velocity adjacent descending liquid flow. Reduced vapor velocity concommitantly permits better liquid sheeting and ?uid distribution which substantially reduces the amount of liquid carried upwardly by the
counter-current vapor. In this manner ef?ciency is

posed atop the tower 12 and a lower skirt 28 disposed in the lower region of the tower around bottom stream takeoff line 30 coupled to a reboiler (not shown). Re
boiler return conduit 32 is shown disposed above the

skirt 28 for recycling vapor therein upwardly through the packing layers 14. Reflux from condensers is pro
vided in the upper tower region 23 through entry con duit 34 wherein re?ux is distributed throughout a liquid distributor 36 across upper packing bed 38. It may be seen that the upper packing bed 38 is of the structured

greatly improved and cost savings are provided.

view of a liquid distributor trough and equalizer pipe

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present packing variety. The regions of the exchange column 10 invention and for further objects and advantages 25 beneath the upper packing bed 38 are shown for pur thereof, reference may now be had to the following pose of illustration and include a liquid collector 40 description taken in conjunction with the accompany disposed beneath a support grid 41 in support of the ing drawings in which: upper structured packing 38. A liquid redistributor 42 is FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packed column with likewise disposed therebeneath and an intermediate various sections cut away for illustrating a variety of support plate 44 is provided in an alternative con?gura tower internals in one embodiment of a liquid ?ow tion of the type adapted for supporting random packing distributor constructed in accordance with the princi 14A of a ring or saddle variety as representatively ples of the present invention; shown. A lower structure grid 46 is illustrated disposed FIG. 2 is an enlarged, side-elevational, cross-sectional beneath a liquid distributor 48 comprising a plurality of

array constructed in accordance with the principles of

troughs 49 adapted for dispersing the liquid thereacross

in counter-current ?ow to the ascending vapor therebe neath. It may be seen from this ?gure that the counter current con?guration between the ascending vapor and the descending liquid is the subject of a plurality of

the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, top plan, cross-sectional view of the trough of FIG. 2 taken along lines 3-3 thereof FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical schematic of the liquid distribution and irrigation of the trough baf?e con?gu ration of FIG. 2;

and illustrating the baf?e and wall section con?guration 40 critical design considerations including liquid/vapor of the trough; ratios, liquid cooling, foaming and the presence of solids
or slurries therein. Corrosion is likewise a consideration of the various elements in the packed towers and the

selection of the material in the fabrication of the tower FIG. 5 is an enlarged, perspective view of the ?ow 45 internals is in many instances the results thereof. The distributor array of the present invention illustrating the anatomy of the packed column as shown in FIG. 1 is V-shaped trough and ?ow equalizer con?guration; likewise described in more detail in the Gilbert Chen FIG. 6 is a top plan, fragmentary view of the trough article referred to above and incorporated herein by support and leveling system of FIG. 5; and reference.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged end elevational view of an

alternative embodiment of the ?ow baf?es of the pres ent invention and a diagrammatic representation of the increased vapor ?ow free area.

Referring now to FIG. 2 there is shown an enlarged end-elevational, cross-sectional view of a trough 49

having a lower generally V-shaped body section 50. The trough section 50 is comprised of angulated outer

walls 52 and 54 depending from upper parallel trough DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE 55 walls 56 and 58, respectively. A bottom surface 60 joins PREFERRED EMBODIMENT the tapered walls 52 and 54 and is aligned to and in ?ow Referring ?rst to FIG. 1 there is shown a perspective communication with an array of equalizer conduits 64 view of a packed exchange tower or column with vari through apertures 62 formed in the side walls. The ous sections cut away for illustrating a variety of inter conduit or pipe 64 is secured to the sidewall 54 at aper nals and the utilization of one embodiment of the liquid ture 62 of the trough 49 by welding or the like and

distributor of the present invention. The exchange col

umn 10 of FIG. 1 comprises a cylindrical tower 12

facilitates the ?ow of liquid between various troughs (as

seen in FIG. 5) for ?uid level equalization therein and debris elimination from trough bottom 60. Still referring to FIG. 2, ?rst and second baf?es 66

having a plurality of packing bed layers 14 disposed

for liquid 18, and side stream vapor feed line or reboiler

therein. A plurality of manways 16 are likewise con structed for facilitating access to the internal region of 65 and 68 are shown disposed in an angulated orientation the tower 12 for placement of the packing beds 14. Also relative to the trough section 50 and outwardly of ta provided are side stream draw off line 20, side feed line pered walls 52 and 54. The baf?es 66 and 68 are posi

tioned in generally parallel spaced relationship relative

4,729,857

to the trough walls 52 and 54 respectively. A ?rst ori ?ce 70 is formed in a lower region of each tapered wall 52 and 54 inwardly of the baf?es 66 and 68 for permit
ting the spewing of ?uid into the inside surface of said baf?es. In this manner, vapor travelling upwardly in the direction of arrow 72 is de?ected outwardly from the

by the angulated baf?es 66 and 68. Moreover, due to the ef?ciency of the construction troughs 49, a wider spac

ing between adjacent troughs is possible. As will be

shown below, this wider spacing increases the free area between said troughs and reduces the restriction to ?ow

spew of liquid shown by arrow 74 thereby protecting

said liquid from dispersion by said ascending vapor. In

this manner the liquid level can be established within

of vapor 72 and thus the velocity thereof. Reduction in velocity of ascending vapor further eliminates the ten dency of said vapor to pick up droplets of liquid 84, a

each trough in an equalized con?guration with the dis charge of liquid therefrom in a controlled and protected fashion not subject to dispersion by the ascending vapor

serious, counter-efficiency in liquid distribution sys tems. Although vapor-liquid interaction is highly desir
able and effective in packing beds, this effect is not the goal of a liquid distributor for purposes of uniform va

por-liquid interaction within high efficiency packing ?ow. Second discharge ori?ces 71-71 are formed bed con?gurations. above ori?ces 70-70 in walls 52 and 54 for spewing Referring now to FIG. 5 there is shown a plurality of liquid over the top of baffles 66 and 68. This direct 15
discharge acts in conjunction with the baf?ed discharge
when the liquid level in the trough 49 reaches a suf? ciently high level. Because of the increased free area

troughs 49 constructed in accordance with the princi

ples of the present invention and secured one to the

other by a plurality of equalizer pipes 64 disposed there

between. The pipes may also be disposed across ends of and discussed in more detail below the ascending vapor 20 certain ones of the troughs 49 as shown by pipe 64A in FIG. 5. It may also be seen that the angulated trough velocity will often be sufficiently low to have only sections 50 are constructed inwardly of the baffles 66 minimum effect on the direct spray from the ori?ces and 68 as shown in this perspective view. Trough ends 71-71. 90 are of a shorter longitudinal con?guration and in Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an enlarged top-plan, cross-sectional, fragmentary view of the 25 clude an angulated endface 92 for purposes of ?tting within a cylindrical process tower such as that shown in trough 49 of FIG. 2 with the baf?es 66 and 68 secured outwardly thereof. The trough 49 is shown with gener FIG. 1. The equalizer pipes 64 are shown to both pro vide liquid equalization between adjacent troughs 49 as ally vertical walls 56 and 58 atop lower tapered walls 52 and 54 with rectangular ori?ces 70 shown formed well as providing means for securing the lateral con?g therein. Bottom region 60 is thus shown disposed be uration thereof. neath the angulated walls 52 and 54 with ?ow equaliz Referring now to FIG. 6 there is shown an array 100 of troughs 49 constructed in accordance with the prin ing aperture 62 constructed adjacent thereto. Still referring to FIG. 3 the baf?es 66 and 68 are ciples of the present invention. Baffles 66 and 68 are

between troughs 49 afforded by the present invention

shown to be formed outwardly of the tapered walls 52

shown disposed on opposite sides of each trough for

35 establishing preselect continuous irrigation areas as

and 54 in generally parallel spaced relationship relative thereto. The baf?es 66 and 68 comprise elongate plate
members 75 having a plurality of indentation sections 77
constructed therein. Each indentation is formed in a

de?ned above. As stated above, the flow equalizer pipes

64 may also be constructed across the distal ends of the

generally V-shaped con?guration, the apex 78 of which

is welded to the outside surface of tapered walls 52 and 54. In this manner a plurality of segregated ?ow regions
80 are provided between each indentation or standoff 77. The indentations 77 further serve as drip interrupt ers in case the trough 49 becomes uneven. Referring now to FIG. 4 there is shown a diagram 45 matic schematic of the baffle 68 of the present invention

troughs 49 in those con?gurations where the trough where space permits. (Not shown in FIG. 6). In the present con?guration the distal ends 103 of each trough
are angulated for positioning within a round tower such as that shown in FIG. 1. In particular, end 105 of out

side trough 107 is substantially angulated to permit

installation within the circular dimension of the process
tower.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 in combination there is

with ori?ce 70 formed in angulated wall 54 adjacent thereto shown in phantom. The spew of liquid through
ori?ce 70 shown to form a generally parabolic curve

shown a trough support system 110 comprising a plural ity of support channels 112 secured along the top of each trough 49. The channels 112 are supported on

upon the surface 75 of said baffle. The parabolic liquid 50 opposite ends by adjustable mounting brackets 114 spread pattern 82 comprises that wetted surface area which permit the securer'nent and adjustable leveling of that liquid spewing from the trough 49 engages for the trough array 100. It is important to note that al lateral spreading prior to dripping and discharge across though the present invention provides for ?ow equal lower surface 83 of the baf?e 68. A drip pattern 84 is ization between troughs it is necessary that the trough thus shown beneath lower edge 83. A dimension arrow 55 array 100 be initially positioned in the level con?gura 85 is illustrated therebeneath representing the irrigated tion within the processed tower for purposes of proper area, which may be of a packing bed disposed beneath operation. The adjustability of the fastening brackets the trough 49. The irrigated area of the packing bed is 114 further facilitates flow level equalizations for rou sufficiently wide to permit effective ?ow distribution tine maintenance during and after tower operation. from the redistributing assembly of trough 49. It may be 60 Referring now to FIG. 7 there is shown an end eleva
seen that orifices 70 disposed from one another dis tances no greater than the irrigation area 85 would

tional, fragmentary view of an alternative embodiment

of the present invention utilizing liquid dispersion

screens or sheets 120 disposed beneath each trough 49.

permit contiguous and/or overlapping irrigation of

tion is a critical aspect of proper flow redistribution and as stated above the flow dripping discharge 84 is sub

packing beds therebeneath in accordance with the prin It should be noted that an array of wires, secured at one ciples of the present invention. Said packing bed irriga 65 end to the baf?es 66 and 68, and depending down

stantially protected from the ascending vapor ?ow 72

wardly in place of the screens 120 may also be used. The wires can be bent outwardly and inwardly for enhanced distribution similar to the alternative ?anged embodi

4,729,857

ment of the sheets 120 described below. The liquid dispersion sheets 120 are secured to the trough 49 along the lower edge of the baf?es 66 and 68. Liquid which spews on said baf?es and disperses into the pattern 82 discussed above is thus allowed to continue its down ward migration into an underlying packing bed 124

10

ciency and cost is thus improved while the usefulness in an operational column 10 is enhanced. The present distributor thus facilitates maximum use of high ef?

ciency packing by providing ef?cient ?ow distribution

prior to liquid flow entry into such packing. These
desirable results can be obtained with a minimum of

without adverse disruption by the ascending vapor ?ow. In the present drawing, the liquid is shown by
arrows 122 distributed on the sides of the sheets 120 and

height loss within the tower along with the ability for

protected from the ascending vapor illustrated by

arrow 123. The velocity of rise of the ascending vapor
123 can be a substantial problem to even liquid distribu tion due to the fact that it can blow the dripping vapor around into undesirable areas. When the vapor 123

troughs.

self-regulating flow equalization between adjacent

engages liquid dispersed upon a sheet 120 it has less 15 modi?cations may be made therein without departing capacity to cause the distribution vproblem normally from the spirit and scope of the invention as de?ned in found in the prior art. It will, however, induce liquid the following claims. spreading on the sheets 120 which is advantageous.
Liquid spreading is also induced by the vapor ascension
rate between sheets 120 of a common trough 49 as 20

It is thus believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the fore going description. While the method and apparatus shown and described has been characterized as being preferred, it will be obvious that various changes and

What is claimed is: 1. An improved liquid flow distributor for a process

shown by arrows 123A and 123B. The ascending vapor 123B behind the baffles 66 and 68 accelerates due to the restricted flow area and causes the liquid spewing from
holes 70 and 71 to spread in this fnite area which en

column of the type wherein said distributor is posi tioned above a packing section for the distribution of

liquid downwardly therethrough, said improvement comprising:

a plurality of troughs disposed in generally parallel

hances lateral distribution. In this ?nale area the liq~ 25

uid streams are under some pressure and distribution is

spaced relationship;
said troughs each being formed with a downwardly tapering lower body section terminating in a bot tom region, said lower body section having holes formed therein for spewing liquid outwardly there

enhanced by high vapor flow rates as compared to the

problem normally caused by high vapor ?ow rates.

Still referring to FIG. 7, sheets 120 can be formed of either solid, perforated, woven or similar lamella design 30

of the type normally incorporated into countercurrent,

vapor-liquid process columns. The lower edges can also incorporate ?anged or outwardly bent sections 120A
and 120B which further enhance distribution, as shown

from;
?rst and second baffles disposed outwardly of said lower tapering body section of said troughs for receiving the spew of liquid therefrom, said baffles

for illustration in the left trough 49 of FIG. 7. The 35 sheets 120 are particularly useful in columns experienc ing problems with vapor flow rates and uneven liquid distribution. This problem is addressed by the principles
of the present invention which incorporate a baffled

each being disposed in generally parallel spaced

relationship with said adjacent tapering body sec tion of said troughs; a plurality of flow equalization pipes interconnecting
said troughs one to the other; and

trough con?guration in conjunction with equalizing

pipes 64 with the distribution screen 120 depending therefrom. In this manner, the spacing between adja cent troughs 49 is maximized to reduce vapor ascension

said equalization pipes being coupled to said troughs

through the side wall thereof in ?ow communica

tion with the lower region therein facilitating ?ow

equalization therebetween.
2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said

resistance and velocity. Uniformity of vapor liquid in

teraction is then assured by even liquid distribution 45 baffles include dripping interrupters comprising stand between troughs 49. Another advantage of the present offs between said baffles and said trough. invention as set forth above is the ability to provide 3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said ?ow equalization with the flow pipes 64 disposed in side standoffs comprise indented sections of said baffles, the wall portions of each trough 49. It is more economical apex of said indented sections being secured to said to secure such ?ow pipes to the trough side walls than tapered side wall of said trough. the trough bottom. The advantages are multifold in 4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said such assemblies. Of a distinct advantage is the height of sidewalls of said troughs are constructed with a ?rst the distributor relative to the column 10. Any height in lower- row of apertures adapted for allowing the out
the column 10 which must be used for other than vapor

ward ?ow of liquid therefrom onto said baffles and a

liquid interaction reduces ef?ciency and column effec

tiveness. By disposing the pipes between adjacent

second row of apertures disposed above said baffles for the outward flow of liquid thereover.

removal if the debris simply ?ows downwardly from dispersed flow of liquid therefrom. the floors of the troughs. In the present con?guration 65 7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said the bottom of each pipe 64 is juxtaposed the bottom ?ow equalization pipes comprise generally rectangular
portion 60 of each trough 49 whereby debris can be

troughs 49 rather than beneath them, valuable height is 5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and further not lost in the assembly. Moreover, the positioning of including a plurality of liquid dispersion sheets disposed the flow equalization pipes 64 beneath the troughs 49 beneath said baf?es, said sheets being positioned to rather than adjacent thereto can result in the accumula 60 receive the direct liquid flow from said baffles. tion of debris which the flow pipes should help elimi 6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said nate. Flow pipes disposed beneath the troughs 49 can sheets comprise generally planar screens secured to the provide a receptacle for collection of debris rather than lower edge of each of said baffles for receiving the

washed therefrom. Manufacturing effectiveness, ef?

members and said intersection with said trough forms a

generally rectangular aperture in the side wall thereof.

11

4,729,857

12

8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said

12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein said

pipes are of a generally round, cross-sectional configu ration, said intersection with said troughs therein form
ing a generally oval aperture in the side walls thereof.
9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said

baffles include dripping interrupters comprising stand

offs between said baffles and said trough.
13. The apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said

standoffs comprise indented sections of said baffles, the

apex of said indented section being secured to said ta

?ow equalization pipes are further disposed on the ends of adjacent troughs in ?ow communication with the

pered side wall of said trough.

14. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein said sidewalls of said troughs are constructed with a ?rst lower row of apertures adapted for allowing the out ward flow of liquid therefrom onto said baffles and a second row of apertures disposed above said baffles for

end region thereof for flow horizontally therebetween.

10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and further

including leveling means for facilitating adjustment of

the trough within a process tower and the ?ow equal ization therebetween. 11. An improved liquid ?ow distributor for a process

the outward flow of liquid thereover.

15. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein said
15

column of the type wherein said distributor is posi

tioned above a packing section for the distribution of

flow equalization means comprises a plurality of equal

ization pipes intercornecting said troughs.

16. The apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein said

liquid downwardly therethrough, said improvement

comprising:
a plurality of troughs disposed in generally parallel

equalization pipes are coupled to said troughs through

the side wall thereof in flow communication with the

spaced relationship;
said troughs each being formed with a downwardly tapering lower body section terminating in a bot tom region, said lower body section having holes formed therein for spewing liquid outwardly there

lower region therein facilitating ?ow equalization

therebetween. 17. The apparatus as set forth in claim 16 wherein said

flow equalization pipes comprise generally rectangular

members and said intersection with said trough forms a
25

generally rectangular aperture in the side wall thereof.

18. The apparatus as set forth in claim 16 wherein said

from;
?rst and second baffles disposed outwardly of said lower tapering body section of said troughs for receiving the spew of liquid therefrom, said baf?es

pipes are of a generally round, cross-sectional con?gu ration, said intersection with said troughs therein form ing a generally oval aperture in the side walls thereof.
19. The apparatus as set forth in claim 16 wherein said

each being disposed in generally parallel spaced

relationship with said adjacent tapering body sec tion of said troughs;
means for providing ?ow equalization between said

?ow equalization pipes are further disposed on the ends of adjacent troughs in flow communication with the end region thereof for flow horizontally therebetween.
20. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11 and further
35

troughs; and
a plurality of sheets secured to and depending from

including leveling means for facilitating adjustment of

the trough within a process tower and the flow equal ization therebetween.
1* * II * i

said baffles of said troughs for evenly distributing liquid therebeneath.

45

55

60

65